For Parents

The Artistic Faculty and Board of Directors at NEAD recognize the value of parents and guardians in a child’s dance development. As such, we invite all parents to explore and become familiar with the details outlined in both the New Students and Current Students sections of the site, as well as learn of the observation and volunteer opportunities presented above.

We offer both performance-related and longer-term volunteer opportunities, to suit all ranges of desired involvement. The NEAD community is grateful for all levels of parental involvement and we feel privileged to have such passionate and vibrant adult support.

Please feel free to stop by the NEAD main office with any questions, or just to say hello!

Observation & Evaluation

Observation

Scheduled observation weeks are offered each semester for parents & guardians to watch their dancers in class. Non- scheduled observations are also welcomed, pending instructor permission.

Evaluation

Student evaluations occur annually, at the close of each semester.
In one-on-one discussions with teachers, dancers reflect upon their technical and personal growth and set objectives for focus next semester.

These points of positive encouragement and feedback are designed to inspire growth in the upcoming term.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer

Volunteers are vital to the success of the school, especially during performance periods. Information sessions are held prior to each Spring and Nutcracker season explaining the different volunteer roles (decorations, costumes, back stage help, tickets, concessions, etc.) available and the scope of involvement required for each.

Non-performance related volunteer opportunities are also available on an ongoing basis. Stop by the NEAD office to learn more!

Backstage

Social Media

NEAD company traveled to NYC, on its annual field trip to watch Netherlands Dance Theatre perform. They where incredible! Thank you for inspiring the next generation of great dancers! @ndtdance ... See MoreSee Less

NEAD’s 2019 Spring Show, for the Pre-Professional Division will focus on Neo classical and Contemporary works. Here is a a small explanation of ballet’s Three Main Styles:

Let’s start with the three main styles of ballet: classical, neoclassical and contemporary. They no doubt have many similarities, but the way of performing and the vocabulary and technical aspect of each are also quite different.

Classical ballet is the oldest and most formal of the ballet styles and follows traditional ballet techniques used when ballet first began hundreds of years ago.

The beauty of classical ballet is that, while there is a set structure as to how steps are to be performed and a specific language to it, interpretation and training may be approached in different ways. However, because its stylings are relatively rigid, classical ballet leaves little room for creative expression.

There are variations in classical ballet relating to the area of origin and nationality, such as Russian, French or Italian ballet. So it’s not surprising to hear someone refer to “the American style” or “the Italian style” because each nationality does have its own defining differences which make its dancers unique. The differences are often very subtle and take a trained eye to spot them.

Neoclassical ballet, introduced in the 20th century by choreographer George Balanchine, uses traditional ballet vocabulary but is far less rigid than classical ballet. Balanchine used flexed hands (and occasionally feet), turned-in legs, off-centered positions and non-classical costumes (such as leotards and tunics instead of tutus) to distance himself from the classical and romantic ballet traditions. What is left is the dance itself, sophisticated but sleekly modern. Dancers often dance at faster and more difficult tempos and perform more technical feats. The spacing on stage is more modern and complex and organization is varied, although the focus on structure is a defining characteristic. The style draws on the advanced techniques of 19th century Russian Imperial dance, but strips it of its detailed narrative and heavy theatrical setting. Neoclassical ballet is typically characterized by:

According to dance.lovetoknow.com, “classical ballet can often be compared to a formal night out at the opera; neoclassical is presented best in a casual theatre with minimal costuming, lighting and sets.”

Contemporary ballet is influenced by both classical ballet and modern dance. It takes its technique and use of pointe work from classical ballet, although it permits a greater range of movement and relaxed steps not found in the strict discipline of old school ballet teachings. Many of its concepts come from ideas and innovations of 20th century modern dance, including floor work and turning-in of the legs.

George Balanchine is credited as being the founder of contemporary ballet through the development of neoclassical ballet, and Mikhail Baryshnikov is a shining example of a dancer who carved an entire career out of this style. Various well-known modern dance geniuses, such as Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor and Dwight Rhoden, have further developed the style, which is characterized by:

▪ floor work▪ turn-in of the legs▪ greater range of movement and body line▪ pointe shoes but also bare feet

The more classical styles show off incredible technique and skill while the more contemporary and modern styles allow for more expression from the choreographer and dancers. ... See MoreSee Less

Thank you for this ☀️ I’m so thrilled my 2 children are being exposed to the excellent ballet training at NEAD. It is these distinctions, described above, that I see translated into your studios, so clearly. My young dancers are learning the tools to take them, creatively, anywhere they want, with a strong and healthy body ♥️ I can see it with my own eyes!!